Ventura, CA—Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly celebrates their 22nd Annual “Wearin’ o’ the Green” kicking off the celebration with a Green Tie Hoolie auction at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 at the Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard, followed by the annual golf tournament on Monday, March 17, at the Buenaventura Golf Course. As part of the 30th Anniversary celebration of CAREGIVERS, Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Founder John Zaruka and Sheeler Moving & Storage Founder Mel Sheeler will be honored for their years of service to the organization.
“We are delighted to recognize the continuing commitment to CAREGIVERS of both Mel Sheeler and John Zaruka,” said Tammy Glenn, CAREGIVERS Executive Director. Over the last 22 years that CAREGIVERS has presented the Wearin’ o’ the Green, volunteer service is the hallmark behind our success. Mel and John have not only helped us to sustain this St. Patrick’s weekend tradition, they have both demonstrated the type of commitment that defines CAREGIVERS as a leader in family and community values.”
The Wearin’ o’ the Green Golf Tournament, which benefits CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, was founded by Jack Collings of Collings and Associates and Norm Weitzel, retired from Southern California Edison. Both served in leadership positions under CAREGIVERS’ original founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
“Not unlike years past, the organization continues to depend on contributions from the community to sustain its services,” said Norm Weitzel. “John Zaruka and Mel Sheeler not only recognize the growing needs of our elders, they think outside the box, leveraging their ties in the community to ensure a strong and enduring signature event for CAREGIVERS.”
For the fourth consecutive year, CAREGIVERS is proudly joined by the members of the Ventura South Rotary Club. Members from the local Rotary clubs have been active participants in the tournament since its inception 22 years ago, and the volunteer force they contribute ensures the success of the event. Individual golf tournament tickets are $125 and Green Tie Hoolie tickets are $50. Green attire is encouraged, traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage will be served, and awards will be given to the lucky participants.
Pot o’ Gold Sponsors include Bushey Financial Services, Fashion Forms, Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Center and Thiesen Dueker Financial Consulting Group. Other sponsors include UBS, City National Bank, Lowthrop Richards, MediTech Health Services, Sheeler Moving and Storage, and Ventura Endodontics.
CAREGIVERS, which was established in 1984, is one of the original pilot programs for volunteer caregiving in the nation, as an interfaith non-profit, has partnered thousands of volunteers in the community serving close to 600 frail and homebound seniors in the Ventura County. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers who help each week with grocery shopping, friendly visits and a ride to the doctors. CAREGIVERS also boasts student volunteers from eight local high schools who serve seniors through the Building Bridges Intergenerational Program.
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.vccaregivers.org or call (805) 658-8530.